Phase one

When you join the programme you will be placed in a cohort of students (e.g. cohort 13)

Prior to the start of your first paper you will complete an MBA Preparation Programme. This will include key programme information, University resources, and online tutorials. There will also be a live Orientation session where you will have the opportunity to meet your classmates before studies commence.

You will normally take all papers with the same cohort throughout the duration of the programme.

There is a recommended order of papers (see FAQs) for all cohorts

It is possible to miss a paper or take a longer break at any time.

If you are unable to attend two or more classes for any one paper, we may advise you to skip the paper and take it a later date with a different cohort.

You can catch up on any missed papers - the MBA team can advise you of a suitable study plan so that you can continue to take papers in the recommended order.

Prior to each paper

The MBA team will contact you to check you are still able to attend the paper.

A folder of course materials will be posted to you which will include the paper outline and all reading materials.

All the information you require for the paper will also be made available online through Blackboard (the student learning portal).

You will be placed into a syndicate group (usually four or five students per group) and you will work with this group throughout the paper on group assignments. (Syndicate group members change for each paper you take so you will have the opportunity to work with most of the students in your cohort)

Live classes

You should have access to a strong internet connection

We will send every student a headset (it is important that everyone uses the same headset for audio quality consistency)

Phase Two – Professional Consulting Engagement (PCE)

Phase two is made up of the Professional Consulting Engagement (PCE). This is a major piece of work worth 60 points, taking approximately 600 hours of work over 30 weeks.

During the PCE, you will conduct research for a company on a specific business problem/opportunity and produce a report which makes recommendations to the company to solve the problem or exploit the opportunity.

Students undertaking the PCE will attend online classes which will include preparatory classes, project management classes, and optional drop-in/support classes. These classes will take place over the 30 week period.

There may be alternative options for phase two which include elective papers (attending classes at our Dunedin campus), and international exchange opportunities. Please contact the MBA team for more information.

FAQs

Admission to the Programme

Does my previous qualification certificate/transcript need to be verified? This will vary from person to person. The University admissions department will contact you through eVision to let you know what you need to provide.

Where do I send my documentation to be assessed for admission? You may be able to upload documents into eVision, however if an original copy is required the University admissions department will contact you through eVision to let you know where you need to send it.

I’m currently doing a similar programme at another University, can I transfer to the Otago Online MBA? It is possible to transfer some credit from another institution. We need to assess this on a case by case basis. Please send us a copy of your transcript and course descriptions of any previous courses you’d like to claim credit for, and we can advise you accordingly.

I don’t live in New Zealand, can I still join the programme? As long as you can attend live classes (held 7pm – 10pm NZ time) then you can join the programme from anywhere in the world.

Can I connect with the MBA alumni to discuss the programme? You can connect with MBA Alumni through our Linkedin page: linkedin.com/school/2340657/

Planning your study

What is Zoom? Zoom is a video conferencing software used by the Otago Online MBA to deliver all classes. More information can be found at: https://zoom.us/

What is the recommended order of papers? If you remain with the same cohort throughout phase 1 you will automatically take papers in the recommended order. If you have to miss a paper with your cohort and take papers with another cohort, please plan your studies using the ideal order of papers listed in the table below. There is some flexibility, however Strategic Planning for International Markets, and Strategy Implementation should be taken towards the end of phase 1. Please contact us and we can advise you on the best study plan to suit your circumstances.

1 Organisational Leadership

7 Investment and Global Financial Markets

2 Economics

8 Leading Sustainable Enterprises

3 Business Law

9 Operational Excellence

4 Marketing

10 Strategic Planning for International Markets

5 Accounting

11 International Business

6 Human Resource Management

12 Strategy Implementation

What student support and study resources are available to me? There are a range of support services offered by the MBA, the Library, Student Learning Centre, the Business School and the wider University. Once you are an enrolled student you will have access to these services.